Rockies Grandeur, Alaska Inside Passage Cruise and Best of the East

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Victoria International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Go whale watching, take a horse and carriage ride, Eat like a Canadian food tour, or enjoy a scenic float plane flight (extra expense)

After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This evening, you are free to explore the village’s cobbled pathways and plazas. (B)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque village of Kamloops where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. (B/D)

Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular national parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park. (B)

A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. Overnight stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests. (B/D)

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier.

The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Flower Trail, which offers stunning views of the Athabasca River, surrounding mountains, and vibrant wildflowers. Wander through peaceful forests and open meadows while taking in the cool, calming atmosphere by the river before enjoying the Horns and Antlers presentation. (B/D)

Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive into Vancouver. (B/L/D)

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, the waterfront, Gastown and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River, and join the award winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways.

This afternoon, head to Canada Place Pier to board your cruise ship. Farewell your Tour Director and check into your comfortable ocean view stateroom (upgrade to verandah stateroom additional expense) on the luxurious Holland America Cruise Ship ms Koningsdam and settle in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage through the famed Inside Passage. (B/D)

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways passing forests, mountains, islands and inlets. (B/L/D)

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage with its jaw dropping scenery. In the afternoon sail into Juneau, arguably one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. The historic city centre goes back to its gold-rush origins, but nature is the priceless treasure. (B/L/D)

Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway was an untamed town controlled by organised criminals. Today, the town retains its gold rush character and its colourful past is carefully preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. For a truly memorable excursion, take an optional ride on the narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Railroad (shore excursions are at own expense). (B/L/D)

Early this morning, your cruise ship enters the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, where thirteen spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of the bay. A National Park Service Ranger will help you spot wildlife, while pointing out sights and explaining glacial activity. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see a pinnacle of ice ‘calve’ or break away from the face of the glacier, and with a thunderous boom land in the bay. (B/L/D)

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world! Part of the town is built along a steep hillside and part is built on pilings over the water. Rich native history and an outstanding collection of totem poles makes the town an essential stop for anyone interested in native art. (B/L/D)

A day of relaxation. Take advantage of the ship’s many facilities, or simply relax on deck with a drink and watch unmatched scenery glide by. (B/L/D)

Disembark early this morning and transfer to Vancouver Airport for your flight to Toronto (flight not included in land only bookings. Book flight after 12:30pm). (B)

Today, you will see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Travel through the countryside before arriving at Niagara for a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. After some free time or an optional helicopter ride over the falls, visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto early this evening. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Experience a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls (extra expense)

This morning, take a journey to the top of CN Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Americas for some spectacular views over Toronto. Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to the colonial city of Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River.

Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Travel through the islands and canals and view spectacular old buildings, attractive neighbourhoods and abundant birdlife. Continue through rolling farmlands, following the rivers and lakes to Canada’s national capital. (B)

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery. We view the residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Rideau Canal. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore.

• EmeraldPLUS: Visit Madahòkì Farms, an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome spend some time with their cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation. (B/D)

Bienvenue! Welcome to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River.

On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing the Olympic Complex, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mt. Royal. Montréal abounds with sightseeing options, such as taking a stroll, bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of the famous Parisian-style historic district, which is filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. (B)

Departing Montréal make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. Visit Deschambault a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. This historic “New France Route,” takes you to Québec City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly perched atop Cap Diamant. French is the primary language in this unique city, founded in 1608 as a trading post.

Arrive into Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. You will then embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. This is truly a remarkable city, every building in Old Québec tells a story and every square exudes the spirit of New France with a history dating back many hundreds of years. (B/L)

• EmeraldPLUS: Enjoy French Canadian country charm and hospitality and learn how to make maple candy, then partake in a delicious lunch that showcases the local country cuisine.
  

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets, ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)